In celebrating Pujya Swami Sahajananda's 94th Birth Anniversary on Wednesday, 10 July at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, we paid homage firstly to our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda for manifesting his Divine Grace in this country and for working through Pujya Swamiji to promote his mission in South Africa. Pujya Swamiji, who earned the respect, admiration and reverence of people of all walks of life, is heralded as one of the greatest sons of Africa. His steadfastness on the spiritual path, devotion to the Master, dedication to the mission, surrender to the Divine and sincerity of purpose resulted in this beacon of light spreading the divine knowledge of the Master to all parts of the globe.

In a letter dated 13 August 1956, the Master wrote a letter to Pujya Swamiji in which he says, "All the letters I get from South Africa, Mombasa and Nairobi contain pages on your glory and the great impression you have created among the devotees. It is all due to the Grace of the Lord and the purity you have attained through Para Bhakti. When you advance in Sadhana, there is a marvellous, mysterious Power coming from every bit of your action and word. May you gloriously prosper".

In the article, "Grace & Self-Effort" the Master states, "Change of your nature and God-realisation cannot come to you as a miracle done by your Guru. The Guru and Shastras can show you the path and remove your doubts. Direct experience of God is left to you to achieve."

The commencement of the 41-day chanting of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa, 11 times daily was on Tuesday, 30 July. The Sri Hanuman Chalisa is very powerful and very effective for the removal of all mental problems. It brings good health, success and prosperity. It cures diseases, counteracts evil forces and the effects of "black magic", which are so prevalent today. It was recommended to us by Pujya Mother Krishnabai of Anandashram, one of the greatest of living saints.

At a well-attended function, the fourth in the series of the Platinum Celebrations of Divine Life Society of South Africa was hosted by our Verulam Branch on Sunday, 30 June at the Kraydeb Conference Centre in Everest Heights, Verulam.

As this event was hosted by our Verulam Branch, the Board of Management, in a special message addressed the residents of Verulam and all present as follows: "Our saints and scriptures tell us that it is a rare privilege to attend Satsang. We invite all residents of Verulam and surrounding areas to make the most of our Ashrams and Branch facilities, and to invite as many as possible to attend our Satsangs and Ganga Aratis as often as possible. We urge all devotees to turn seriously to prayer in this Kali Yuga when calamities and disasters are so prevalent. In highlighting the power of prayer, Sri Swami Sivananda says, 'Prayer cleanses the dross and steadies the mind. It washes off the impurities of the heart with the pure waters of spiritual emotions, corrects the defects and shortcomings, and prepares the mind for the reception of Self-knowledge. In times of danger and calamity, mass prayer works wonders. Prayer for the departed souls bestows peace on them. Prayer is as real as the force of gravity. It can reach a realm where reason is too feeble to enter. It can work miracles. Its magnanimous efficacy is indescribable. Its potency can be hardly comprehended without actual experience'."

Pujya Swami Sahajananda's 94th Birth Anniversary will be celebrated on Wednesday, 10 July 2019, at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. A special morning session will be held from 6 - 6:45am. Ganga Arati in the evening commences at 5pm, followed by Satsang. Supper Prasad will be served. 

 The auspicious Guru Purnima will be observed on Tuesday, 16 July 2019. A morning session will take place at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills from 6 - 6:45am. The evening programme shifts venue to Sivananda International Cultural Centre, La Mercy.  Ganga Arati commences at 4pm, followed by Satsang at 5pm. Supper Prasad will be served.

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An excellent Health Workshop and Book Fare was organised at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills on Sunday, 23 June 2019, providing theoretical knowledge, demonstrations and practical application on various health matters. The theme for the workshop which was "Secrets to Good Health" was well received and focussed in the main on preventative measures and recommending effective treatment in some cases. Our presenters affirmed what our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda said that "Health and Happiness is our Birthright".

The secrets to good health, we were told, lies in unhesitatingly obeying the Laws of Nature. The workshop covered the following topics: Lifestyle diseases, Safe use of medicines, Benefits of Yoga & Pranayama, Value of humour and cheerfulness, acupressure, use of castor oil pack, Namapathy and Yogic Diet. A humorous and educative play on acupressure captured the attention of the audience for about 30 minutes.

In the book fare, Divine Life Society branches each managed a stall, displaying and marketing various books from our Master and other writers. The stalls promoting health, nature cure and home remedies were also received frequent visitors. It was a fun filled day with competitions, quizzes, vouchers and special offers. A healthy competitive spirit prevailed amongst the various stalls.